Links

• Autism New Jersey - Autism New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization (formerly, COSAC) that provides advocacy, information, services and support, professional education, and consultation.
  
  
• Division of Developmental Disabilities Fact Sheet - The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) within the New Jersey Department of Human Services coordinates and provides for services through state contracts with private agencies and individuals. Persons who are eligible for DDD have such conditions as autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, epilepsy, spina bifida or a neurological impairment. DDD services include case management, both residential and adult day programs, Guardianship services, and family support services. The seven developmental centers across the state for persons with the most severe disabilities are also administered by DDD.
  
  
• Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals in New Jersey - This manual sets out the early symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and describes nationally recommended screening tools. It also explains the specific referral protocols in New Jersey for medical and health care professionals. The manual includes lists of child evaluation centers, clinical enhancement centers, and special private schools and university-based clinics in New Jersey. The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services publishes and distributes the manual as a result of recent state law (P.L. 2007, c. 172).
  
  
• Family Support Center of New Jersey - This organization serves as a clearinghouse in New Jersey for support services, education and advocacy for families with children with disabilities, professionals and interested individuals. The Family Support Center is partially funded by the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities and is affiliated with Autism Family Services of New Jersey and New Jersey Caregivers.
  
  
• The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network - The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) is a parent advocacy organization that provides training, information, resources, assistance and support to parents of children with special needs. SPAN has several projects that provide parent to parent assistance, and also provides technical support to parents who are seeking appropriate educational services and health care resources for their children.
  
  
• Vaccine Safety: Mercury and Vaccines (Thimerosal) - This CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Web site discusses the suggested links between mercury-containing vaccines and autism spectrum disorders. It includes links to relevant reports and studies, including Infant and Environmental Exposures to Thimerosal and Neuropsychological Outcomes at 7 to 10 Years.